Texas State Parks with Dogs

We love taking our dogs to the many state parks across Texas. Most of the parks are extremely dog-friendly but share common rules:

your dog needs to be on a leash no longer than six feet long

you must pick up your dog’s waste and dispose of it properly

your dog is not permitted in any buildings including screened shelters, cabins, and restrooms

your dog is not permitted in designated swim areas

Admission fees at state parks vary by park; some parks charge per person and some per carload. Many of the parks offer camping facilities that range from cabins and shelters to RV and tent sites. However, dogs are not permitted in any buildings at state parks and this includes shelters and cabins. If you would like to overnight at a Texas state park, you’ll need to bring an RV or tent. The central reservation number for all Texas state parks is (512) 389–8900, Monday through Friday 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., and Saturday 9:00 a.m. to noon, or see www.tpwd.state.tx.us for online, mail, and fax reservations. For TDD service, call (512) 389–8915 weekdays. We have a one-year Texas State Parks Pass which we love; it provides admission for our entire car of two- and four-legged passengers. The pass (which we purchased at a state park) costs $70. You can also call (512) 389–8900 to order a pass but it will incur a shipping fee. The park pass also provides discounts on camping and at park stores. For travelers age 65 years or older (or those with at least a 60 percent VA disability), there is the free or discounted (depending on age) Texas Parklands Passport. For more on traveling in Texas with your dog, please order a copy of our DogTipper’s Texas with Dogs guidebook!